What can we learn from the specific offerings listed in Numbers 7:53? Zooming in on Elishama’s Gift “and for the sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, and five male lambs a year old. This was the offering of Elishama son of Ammihud.” (Numbers 7:53) Why a Peace Offering? • Leviticus 3 lays out the peace (or fellowship) offering as a voluntary act celebrating restored relationship with God. • It was eaten in joyful communion—symbolizing harmony between God, priest, and worshiper (Leviticus 7:15-18). • Romans 5:1 echoes the outcome: “having been justified by faith, we have peace with God.” Elishama’s gift points to that same reconciled peace. Breaking Down the Animals • Two oxen – Large, costly animals—an emphatic statement that peace with God is worth substantial sacrifice. – Oxen were work animals; offering them surrenders personal strength to God (Psalm 20:7). • Five rams – Rams symbolize devoted surrender (Genesis 22:13). – The ram’s horns later crowned the altar on the Day of Atonement (Exodus 27:2), linking peace and atonement. • Five male goats – Goats were closely tied to sin and substitution (Leviticus 16:9-10). – Including them in a peace offering reminds us that fellowship always rides on the back of atonement. • Five male lambs a year old – Year-old lambs had reached full vigor yet were still innocent (Exodus 12:5). – Their inclusion previews “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Why the Repeated Number Five? • Five is often linked with grace—think of the five books of the Law, or David’s five smooth stones (1 Samuel 17:40). • By grouping rams, goats, and lambs into fives, the text highlights abundant grace surrounding our peace with God. Seeing Christ in the Peace Offering • The variety of animals points to the many-faceted work of Jesus—strength (oxen), consecration (rams), substitution (goats), and innocence (lambs). • Ephesians 2:14: “He Himself is our peace.” Every creature on Elishama’s list foreshadows a dimension of that peace secured at the cross. • Hebrews 13:15 encourages us to respond with “a sacrifice of praise,” echoing the fellowship meal the offerer once enjoyed. Living the Lesson Today • Value peace with God as a treasured, costly gift—don’t treat reconciliation lightly. • Surrender personal strength, resources, and plans just as Elishama surrendered his oxen. • Celebrate grace regularly; share fellowship meals and Communion with gratitude for the ultimate peace offering. • Let every act of worship—whether praise, giving, or service—flow from confidence that, in Christ, God now welcomes you to His table. |
    |